Video gaming device and method of wagering on a virtual football game

ABSTRACT

A video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game comprising a video touch screen or display and a selector control panel including a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality game selection and control signals including play selections and wagering selections, and a microprocessor including game data comprising a plurality of wager selections including a first and second set of wagers wherein the first set of wagers is a plurality of game period wager selections and the second set of wagers is a plurality of play wager selections, a plurality of play selections including a first and second set of proposition play selections wherein the first set of proposition play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays and the second set of proposition play selections comprises a set of selectable plays selected from the first set of proposition play selective, and a predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile; a data processing section including logic to receive the game selection signals from the selector control keys to generate display signals in response to the game selection signals to be displayed on the video screen or display in response to operator input from the selector control keys and to generate game play images on the video screen or display of individual selected play selected from the first and second set of proposition play selections executed against the programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the programmed game situation profile and display the wagering results.

CROSS REFERENCE

This is a non-provisional application of co-pending provisional application 60/678,984 filed May 9, 2005 that is a continuation-in-part of non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/675,500 filed Sep. 30, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Slot machines, video poker machines and similar gaming device have been at the core of the gaming industry. Players enjoy such machines because of the prospect of winning money and the entertainment from playing the game(s) associated with particular machines. Consequently, gaming establishments seek new and more entertaining and exciting machines because such machines attract more frequent play and increased profitability. Traditional gaming machines with mechanical slot reels or video depictions of such reels to display games and outcomes to players and simulated casino games such as cards, dice, bingo and the like to attract players have become staid to many players. Thus, innovative displays and game play features available to players provide more interesting and exciting alternatives to traditional games. Accordingly, in the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a constant desire with gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, to attract frequent play by increasing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game.

In particular, there is a need for engaging and entertaining games that create a competitive interactive play between the player and gaming machine to hold the player's interest. The present invention is such a video gaming device and method for wagering.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,885 describes a method for the player to play a wagering sports game such as football. The player makes a wager and defensive and offensive formations are selected and displayed. The play is run and based upon the outcome obtained the player either wins or loses their wager. The method includes providing the player with an opportunity to double their wager.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,123 shows a method of playing a game including a plurality of events depicted in a series of sequential, non-identical images identified as a first image, a second image and so forth. A first image selected from the plurality of first images is displayed in a frame, such as a frame on a video monitor. Likewise, a selected one of the second images from the plurality of second images is displayed in a second frame. If the images displayed in the frames sequentially depict the first and second images of the event, then a winning condition is achieved. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,568 relates to an interactive gaming process and system. Comprising a plurality of gaming machines to be played by plurality of players. The system can be configured such that the gaming machines are either located in a casino or at internet locations. Each gaming machine comprises a wagering game and a theme game, respectively. The wagering game has features that correspond to the theme game wherein the results of the wagering game influence the results of the theme game as the wagering game is being played. The system also includes a controller for electronically linking the gaming machines and providing stimuli to the gaming machines so as to effect gaming machine outputs that are impartial and random. In one embodiment, the plurality of players play the wagering game as a group wherein if one player's theme game results meet predetermined criteria, that particular player will play for the group. The group will then have the opportunity to split a jackpot. In another embodiment, the plurality of players play as a group wherein activation of each player's wagering game either helps or hinders the group as a whole in its effort to achieve a predetermined goal. In a further embodiment, the players play their respective wagering game so as to directly compete against each other in the theme game. The results of the wagering games determines the winnings of each player, the eventual winner of the theme game and/or any predetermined jackpot.

2001/0046893 describes a game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.

2003/0060255 describes a gaming device having a processor and a display device connected to the processor. The display device displays a plurality of choices to a player, whereby each choice has an associated number of points. The processor provides an initial number of picks to the player. The processor also maintains a regeneration amount, whereby the player receives a new number of picks if the points associated with the player's choices accumulate at least to the regeneration amount, within the provided number of picks. In one embodiment accumulating points includes accumulating awards. If the player accumulates a predetermined goal amount of points, the player also wins a goal award.

-   2003/0060277 teaches an apparatus and method for operating a gaming     device that enables a player to obtain an award based upon the     number of goals the player is able to achieve during game play. The     goals advance in difficulty as the player achieves each goal. The     game terminates automatically when the player fails to achieve a     goal. -   2003/0119578 shows a gaming machine and a method of operation such a     gaming machine. Comprising a video screen adapted to display a game     of chance involving game events having random outcomes including     winning outcomes and losing outcomes; and means adapted to display a     range of video clips, each video clip being designated as either a     winning video clip or a losing video clip; wherein the machine     displays one of the winning video clips in response to one of the     winning outcomes of a game event, and displays one of the losing     video clips in response to one of the losing outcome of a game     event.

Despite these efforts, there is a need for new entertaining interactive gaming devices to maintain players interest level in wagering on gaming devices or machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game. The video gaming device comprises a game cabinet to support a video screen or display, a selector control panel and a wager/payment mechanism and to house a microprocessor.

The selector control panel comprises a plurality of selector control keys to generate game selections signals including play selections and wagering selections; while the wager/payment mechanism comprises a plurality of apertures to receive payment by the game player and means to generate a payment signal.

The microprocessor includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of play selections. A data processing section including logic receives the game selection signals from the selector control keys and payment signals from the wage/payment mechanism and to generate display signals in response to the game selection signals and payment signals to be displayed on the video screen or display in response to operator input from the selector control keys and wage information in response to input from the wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen or display of individual selected play executed against the preprogrammed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and a preprogrammed game situation profile and display the wagering results.

The plurality of wager selections comprises a first and second set of wagers wherein the first set of wagers is a plurality of game period wager selections and the second set of wagers is a plurality of play wager selections; while the plurality of play selections comprises a first and second set of individual or proposition play selections wherein the first set of individual or proposition play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays and the second set of individual of proposition play selections comprises a selectable plays from the first set, and a game plan and game situation profile.

The player is on offense or defense as determined by a virtual coin toss. As the virtual game progresses, the player selects wagers to be bet on each play against the predetermined game plan. The data processing section records the player's bank, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against predetermined odds. These amounts are displayed on the video screen or display along with the available play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected proposition play against the preprogrammed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and a preprogrammed game situation profile.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention displaying selection of an offensive/defensive proposition play set.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention displaying selection of an individual offensive/defensive play from the selected offensive/defensive proposition play set.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention depicting the coin toss.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention depicting the coin toss results.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention depicting kick or receive selection.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting kickoff play selection.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting kickoff and runback.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting bet result of the runback.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting sarcastic comments on loosing individual bet.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting play selections.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting play from scrimmage.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting bet result on play from scrimmage.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting play sets.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting offensive odds for field goal.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the video gaming device generally indicated as 10 comprises a game cabinet and base or stand generally indicated as 12 to operatively support a video screen or display generally indicated as 14 and a selector control panel generally indicated as 16 and a wager/payout mechanism generally indicated as 18 and to house a microprocessor generally indicated as 20.

The video screen or display 14 may comprise a CRT; plasma screen or other device to visually display wagers, wagering results, player credit balance, game instructions, game period and individual play payoffs or odds, set and individual play selections, and selected offense and defense game play images. The video screen or display 14 is coupled to the microprocessor 20 to receive signals therefrom to create or generate the various visual displays.

The selector control panel 16 includes a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality of game selection, wagering and display or viewing control signals fed to the microprocessor 20. The plurality of selector control keys comprises a plurality of game control keys to control the game, a plurality of wagering keys to select the amount of wagers and a plurality of display keys to selectively display a corresponding plurality of menus or game information/data and a game pointer control key.

Specifically, the plurality of game control keys comprises a start/enter key, a clear key and a cash out key indicated as 22, 24 and 26 respectively. The plurality of wagering keys comprises a $0.05/5¢ key, a $0.25/25¢key, a $1.00 key, a $5.00 key, a $25.00 key and a $100.00 key indicated as 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 respectively. The plurality of display keys comprises a payoff or odds menu key, a money available/pending wager status key, a proposition wager menu key and a money wagered key indicated as 42, 44, 46 and 48 respectively. The game pointer key comprises a tracker ball 50, mouse or similar cursor control.

The wager/payment mechanism comprises a currency receptacle 60, coin receptacles 62 and 64, a credit card slot 66 and a credit card key pad generally indicated as 68 and a cash return payout including a coin return/payout receptacle generally indicated as 70 and a currency return payout slot 72. The various wagering section components are coupled to state of the art mechanical and electrical mechanisms and devices to receive, record, calculate, account and payout for the game transactions and plays.

The video gaming device 10 is connected to a power source by an electric cord 74.

The microprocessor includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of play selections. A data processing section including logic receives the game selection signals from the selector control keys and the payment signals from the wage/payment mechanism and to generate display signals in response to the game selection signals and the payment signals to be displayed on the video screen or display in response to operator input from the selector control keys and wage information in response to input from the wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen or display of individual selected play executed against the predetermined or programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the predetermined or programmed game situation profile and display the wagering results.

The programmed game situation profile comprises a plurality of sets of offensive and defensive plays wherein the plays within each set are determined by the game situation including down, distance to first down, field position, score, time left in period, period and time outs. The programmed game situation profile selects an offensive or defensive play from the plurality of preselected offensive or defensive plays in the selected set of offensive or defensive plays to play against the play selected by the player.

The plurality of wager selections comprises a first and second set of wagers wherein the first set of wagers is a plurality of game period wager selections and the second set of wagers is a plurality of play wager selections; while the plurality of play selections comprises a first and second set of proposition play selections wherein the first set of proposition play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays each set of selectable plays including a plurality of individual offensive or defensive plays and the second set of proposition play selections comprises a plurality of individual selectable offensive or defensive plays to be selected and played against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile.

The player is on offense or defense as determined by a virtual coin toss. As the virtual game progresses, the player selects wagers to be bet on each play against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile. The data processing section records the player's bank or balance, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against the predetermined odds. These amounts are displayed on the video screen or display along with the available play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected proposition play against the programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the programmed game situation profile.

The microprocessor 20 contains several tables to control the game play and display certain information/data. In particular, Tables 1 through 4 show game period payoffs, offensive play payoffs, defensive play payoffs and wager limits respectively. TABLE 1 Game Period Payoffs Win 1^(st) Quarter 1 to 1 payoff Win 2^(nd) Quarter 1 to 1 payoff Win 1^(st) Half 2 to 1 payoff Win 3^(rd) Quarter 1 to 1 payoff Win 4^(th) Quarter 1 to 1 payoff Win 2^(nd) Half 2 to 1 payoff Win game 6 to 1 payoff Win game by 11-20 points 9 to 1 payoff Win game by 21⁺ points or more 15 to 1 payoff 

TABLE 2 Offensive Play Payoffs Return a kickoff to own 20-29 yard line Wager returned Return a kickoff back to own 30-39 yard line 1 to 1 payoff Return a kickoff back to own 40-49 yard line 2 to 1 payoff Return a kickoff back to between 50 yard line and 3 to 1 payoff opponent's 35 yard line Return a kickoff back to between opponent's 34 5 to 1 payoff yard line and opponent's 1 yard line Return a kickoff for a Touchdown 10 to 1 payoff  Gain 1-3 yards Wager returned Gain 4⁺ yards 1 to 1 payoff On 4^(th) down, if you gain 4 or more yards and do Wager lost not make 1^(st) Down A 1^(st) down regardless of yardage gained 1 to 1 payoff If the offense makes a 1^(st) Down, even if the play Push didn't go for 3 yards Offense scores a Touchdown 4 to 1 payoff Offense misses Extra Point Push

TABLE 3 Defensive Play Payoffs Hold kick returner between own goal line and 19 1 to 1 payoff yard line Hold kick returner between own 20-29 yard line Wager returned Kick returner reaches own 30 yard line Wager lost Hold offense to 0 yards or less 1 to 1 payoff Hold offense to 1-3 yards 1 to 1 payoff Sack Quarterback 2 to 1 payoff Recover Fumble or Intercept Pass 2 to 1 payoff Return Fumble or Interception for Touchdown 7 to 1 payoff Score Safety 5 to 1 payoff Offense misses Extra Point or Field Goal 2 to 1 payoff Block Punt of Field Goal 2 to 1 payoff Block Punt of Field Goal and return for Touchdown 7 to 1 payoff Force Offense to loose ball on Downs 1 to 1 payoff Punt ball inside opponent's 5 yard line 2 to 1 payoff Blocked Punt Wager lost Punt ball inside opponent's 10 yard line 1 to 1 payoff Hold punt returner to 0-4 yards or less (Punt must 1 to 1 payoff travel 42 yards or more) Punt returner gains 4⁺ yards Wager lost **Punt returner holds you to 4 yards or less Wager lost Hold punt returner to 5-9 yards (Punt must travel Wager returned 42 yards or more)

TABLE 4 Wager Limits Player can wager up 50% of total amount wagered on the game on each half. Player can wager up to 25% of total amount wagered on the game on each quarter. Player can wager up to 10% of the total amount wager on the game on each proposition wager.

During game play, before each play, a message will appear on the video screen or display 14 such as You can wager up to X amount for each game proposition wager. A wager up to the amount given on the video screen or display 14 is placed before every play.

The menu for all game proposition wager can be displayed. If the player does not have the funds to make the wagers necessary to move the game along, a message will appear asking the player to deposit more cash or credit.

Before the 2^(nd), 3^(rd) and 4^(th) quarters start, a message will appear on the screen asking the player how much he would like to wager for that particular QTR.

Before the 2^(nd) half starts, a message will appear asking the player how much the player would like to wager for the second half.

If a player quits after a game starts, the player forfeits any money already wagered.

Wagers are entered by pressing the desired wagering keys 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 to choose, a 5¢, a 25¢, $1, $5, $25, or $100. For example, if the player wants to wager $175, the player would touch the $100 key 40 once and the $25 key 38 three times. A game wager, half wager and a quarter wager can be cleared by depressing the clear key 24 as long as the video screen or display 14 displays the wager placed as stated above.

Once the dollar amount has been established, the start/enter key 22 is pressed indicating the amount wagered. The amount wagered will appear on the video screen or display 14. By pressing the start/enter key 22, the “Play Call” screen appears. As shown in FIG. 2, the player uses the game pointer key 50 to move the cursor arrow to select a set of plays from the 16 sets available and then and presses the start/enter key 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the player then selects a play from the set selected by placing the cursor on the desired play and depressing the strat/enter key 22. The football players will appear at the “line of scrimmage” and a 40 second play clock will run. The play clock will only run when the “Play Call” screen is visible.

The start/enter key 22 is depressed to snap the ball or execute the selected offensive or defensive play.

When a play is finished, the result of the play will appear on the video screen or display 14. For instance, if a four yard gain is made on a running play, a message will appear and say, “Joe Smith runs for a gain of four yards, you earned “x” amount.” The dollar amount available will appear on the screen along with the amount of money pending. The player depresses the start/enter key 22 to move to the next screen. The next screen will notify the player how much can be wagered. The player then presses the appropriate wagering keys 30 through 40 to select the amount of money the player wishes to wager on the play. The start/enter key 22 is pressed to enter or set amount to be wagered.

Prior to commencement of play, the player may review a tutorial of how the game is played. For example, the following guide or instruction may be viewed.

-   -   Welcome to the casino football interactive tutorial. The “hand”         on the right will show you what keys to press and for what         functions. The “information screen” you are reading will give         you directions and information as we move forward through this         tutorial.     -   A message will appear and ask, “Which game would you like to         play, you will have three choices: The $5.99 (5) minute qtr.         game, the $100-249 (10) minute quarter game or the $250+(15)         minute game.     -   Now use the “trackball” below to select one of the 3 game         options on the main screen, then press the start/enter key to         lock in your game selection.     -   Insert either money or a credit card in the machine.     -   If money is inserted, a message will appear showing the amount         available for wagering. If a credit card is used, instructions         will be given on what to do. Once the transaction has taken         place, a message will appear showing the amount available for         wagering.     -   Next use the wagering keys to select how much you would like to         wager, then press the start/enter key to lock in your decision.     -   After the start/enter key has been pressed your full authorized         wager amount with the new total will show.

Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.

-   -   Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press         the start/enter key to continue with the game.     -   Next, you will be asked if you would like to wager on the first         half? Use the “trackball” to select yes or no. Now press the         start/enter” key to lock in your answer.     -   After the start/enter key has been pressed you will be told the         total amount you will be allowed to wager on the 1^(st) half.     -   After the start/enter key has been pressed you will be asked to         select the amount you wish to wager on the 1^(st) half. Use the         wagering keys to choose the amount of your wager. Next, use the         “enter/start” key to authorize your wager.     -   Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press         the start/enter key to continue with the game.     -   Next, you will be asked if you would like to wager on the 1^(st)         quarter. Use the “trackball” to select yes or no. Now press the         start/enter key to lock in your decision.     -   After the start/enter key has been pressed you will be told the         maximun amount allowed to wager on the 1^(st) quarter.     -   After the start/enter key has been pressed, you will be asked to         select the amount of you wish to wager on the 1^(st) quarter.         Use the wager keys to choose the amount. Next, use the         start/enter key to authorize the amount of your wager.     -   Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press         the start/enter key to continue with the game.     -   Next, you will be asked to select heads or tails on the coin         toss. Use the “trackball” to make your call. Next, press the         start/enter key to lock in your decision.     -   Now you will be asked to make a wager on the kick off with a         limited amount. Select the wager keys for the amount of the         wager. Next, depresses the enter/start key to authorize the         amount.     -   Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press         the start/enter key to continue the game.     -   Next, the play call screen will be displayed. Use the         “trackball” to select a “play-set” number. Then press         start/enter to continue. Note: each number represents as set 4         plays.     -   Next, use the “trackball” to select one of the four plays from         below the “play-set” numbers. Next, press the start/enter key to         secure your play decision and watch the play run.     -   You now see the play results. The screen also displays the         wagering condition and whether you had a win or loss. You will         to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     -   Now you will be asked to wager on a new play. Use the wager keys         to choose your wager amount.     -   Now press the start/enter key to authorize your amount.     -   Next, you are told your total wagering amount and prompted to         press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     -   Next, the game's play call screen will show. Use the “trackball”         to select a “play-set” number. Then press start/enter key to         continue.     -   Next, use the “trackball” to select one of the 4 plays from         below the “play-set” numbers. Next, press the start/enter key to         secure your play decision and watch the play executed.     -   You now see the play results. The screen also displays the         wagering condition and whether you had a win or loss. You will         be prompted to press the start/enter key to continue with the         game.

Certain information can be selected for display on the video screen or display 14. Specifically, the player can select to view the odds menu, money available, pending proposition menu and money wagered by pressing keys 42, 44, 46 and 48 respectively. The clear key 24 allows the player to eliminate a selection before execution when pressing the start/enter key 22. At the end of the game, the player can cash out by pressing the cash out key 26.

As the play progresses, the player is guided through the game by instructions displayed on the video screen or display 14 such as:

-   Which game would you like to play? -   $5-99 (5) minute quarter game -   $100-249 (10) minute quarter game -   $250+ (15) minute quarter game -   Please insert cash or credit card for wagering. -   You have $200.00 for wagering. How much would you like to wager on     this game? -   Total: $200.00 -   Use the wager keys below to select how much you'd like to wager. -   You have selected $100.00. If this is what you wish to wager then     press the start/enter key now. -   Total: $100.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much more you'd like to     wager now. -   You have authorized $100.00 as a wager on this game. Good luck! -   You now have $100.00 available for wagering. -   Please press start/enter to continue. -   Do you wish to wager on the 1^(st) half ? yes or no. -   You may wager up to $50.00 on the first half. -   Select the amount you wish to wager? -   Total: $100.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much you'd like to wager     now. -   You have selected $25.00. If this is what you wish to wager then     press the start/enter key now. -   You now have $75.00 available for wagering. -   Please press start/enter to continue. -   Do you wish to wager on the 1^(st) quarter ? yes or no -   Do you wish to wager on the 1^(st) quarter ? yes or no -   You may wager up to $25.00 on the 1^(st) quarter. -   Select the amount you wish to wager? -   Total: $75.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much you'd like to wager     now. -   You have selected $10.00. If this is what you wish to wager then     press the start/enter key now. -   You now have $65.00 available for wagering. -   Please press start/enter key to continue. -   Use the trackball to select a call on either heads or tails. -   Heads! Your team receives the ball! Good luck! -   You may wager up to $10.00 on the kick off. -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much you'd like to wager. -   Total: $65.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much you'd like to wager     now. -   You have selected $5.00. If this is what you wish to wager then     press the start/enter key now. -   Total: $60.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much more you'd like to     wager now. -   You have authorized $5.00 as a wager on the 1^(st) quarter. Good     luck! -   You now have $60.00 available for wagering. -   Please press start/enter to continue. -   Use the trackball to select a number from the list below. -   Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays. -   Use the trackball to select a number from the list below. -   Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays. -   Use the trackball to select a number from the list below. -   Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays. -   Jackson Davis—number 14 stopped on the 27 yard line. -   A “push” resulted and no money exchanged hands. -   You now have $65.00 available -   Please press start/enter key to continue game. -   You may wager up to $10.00 on the play. -   Select the amount you wish to wager. -   Total: $65.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much you'd like to wager     now. -   You have selected $5.00. If this is what you wish to wager then     press the start/enter key now. -   Total: $60.00 -   Use the wagering keys below to select how much you'd like to wager     now. -   You have authorized $5.00 as a wager on the 1^(st) quarter. Good     luck! -   You now have $60.00 available for wagering. -   Please press start/enter to continue. -   Use the trackball to select a number from the list below. -   Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays. -   Use the trackball to select a number from the list below. -   Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays. -   Dan White—number 85 gains 20 yards on the pass to stop on the 45     yard line. It is now second down in the 1^(st) quarter. -   You win $5.00+your wager back ! totaling $10.00! You now have $70.00     available. -   Please press start/enter key to continue your game.

FIGS. 4 through 16 show an alternate embodiment of the video gaming device generally indicated as 110 comprising a game cabinet generally indicated as 112 to operatively support or house a video touch screen or display generally indicated as 114, a selector control panel generally indicated as 116, an information or game status panel generally indicated as 118 and a payment/payout mechanism generally indicated as 120 and to house a microprocessor generally indicated as 122.

The video touch screen or display 114 may comprise a CRT; plasma screen or other device to visually display wagers, wagering results, player credit balance, game instructions, game period and individual play payoffs or odds, group and individual offensive and defensive play selections, and selected offense and defense game play images. The video touch screen or display 114 is coupled to the microprocessor 122 to transmit and receive signals therefrom to make play selections and to create or generate the various visual displays.

The selector control panel 116 includes a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality of game selections, wagering and display or viewing control signals fed to the microprocessor 122. The plurality of selector control keys comprises a plurality of game control keys to control the game, a plurality of wagering keys to select the amount of wagers and a plurality of odds display keys to selectively display a corresponding plurality of situation odds key.

Specifically, the plurality of game control keys comprises a start/enter key, a clear key and a cash out key indicated as 124, 126 and 128 respectively. The plurality of wagering keys comprises a BET 1× key, BET 2× key, BET 3× key, BET 4× key, BET 5× key, BET 6× key, BET 7× key, BET 8× key, BET 9× key, BET 10× key, BET 15× key, BET 20× key, BET 50× key, and a MAXBET key indicated as 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156 respectively. A specific video gaming device 110 may be set for a $0.25, $0.50, $1.00 bet or other denomination such that the selected or actuated wagering key is the multiple of the set denomination shown on the wagering key. The plurality of odds display keys comprises a view offensive odds key, a view defensive odds key, a view game odds key and a view points odds key indicated as 158, 160, 162 and 164 respectively.

The wager/payment mechanism 120 comprises an insert tickets or bills receptacle 166, insert coin receptacles 168 and 170, a deposit display 172, an insert card slot 174 and a credit card key pad generally indicated as 176 and a cash return payout section including a coin return/payout receptacle 178 and a currency return payout slot 180.

The video gaming device 10 is connected to a power source by an electric cord 188.

The information or game status panel 118 comprises an instructions legend 182, a game status display 184 and a wage status display 186. The game status display 184 and the wage status display 186 are coupled to the microprocessor 122 to receive display signals therefrom to display various game and wages data. The game status display 184 can display real time game clock, play clock, time outs, quarter, down, yards to go, ball position and score of both teams—player and casino. The wager status display 186 can display the player's balance, amount wagered on current bet or play and points accumulated by the player.

The video touch screen or display 114, the selector control panel 116, the information or game status panel 118, the wager/payment mechanism 120 and the information or game status panel 118 are coupled to the microprocessor 122 and to state of the art mechanical and electrical mechanisms and devices to receive, record, calculate, account, payout and display the game transactions and plays.

The microprocessor 122 includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of offensive and defensive play selections, a plurality of game control selections and a plurality of payment selections. A data processing section including logic to receive game control signals from the game control keys 124, 126 and 128, wage selection signals from the plurality of wagering keys 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156, situation odds displays from keys 158, 160, 162 and 164, payment signals from the payment/payout mechanism 120 and offensive and defensive play selections from the video touch screen or display 114 and to generate display signals in response to the play selection signals, odds viewing signals and the payment signals to be displayed on the video screen or display 114 in response to operator input from the selector control keys and wager information in response to input from the wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen or display 114 of individual selected play executed against the predetermined or programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the predetermined or programmed game situation profile and display the wagering results.

The programmed game situation profile comprises a plurality of sets and subsets of offensive and defensive plays shown in Table 5 from which the player selects a specific play as depicted in FIG. 8 whether on offense or defense and determined by the game situation such as down, distance to first down, field position, score, time left in period, period and time outs. The programmed game situation profile then selects an offensive or defensive play from the plurality of preselected offensive or defensive plays in response to the set and subset of plays selected or the selected play to play against the set of plays selected or the play selected by the player.

The plurality of wager selections correspond to the first of wagering keys 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156; while the plurality of play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays, Table 5 including a plurality of individual offensive or defensive plays displayed and selected on the video touch screen or display 114 as seen in FIG. 8 and played against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile.

The player is on offense or defense as determined by a virtual coin toss as described hereinafter. As the virtual game progresses, the player selects wagers to be bet on each play against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile. The data processing section records the player's bank or balance, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against the predetermined odds. These amounts are displayed on the video touch screen or display 114 and/or wage status 186 along with the available play sets and play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected play against the programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the programmed game situation profile.

The microprocessor 20 contains several tables to control the game play and display certain information/data. In particular, Tables 5 through 7 show play selection sets, offensive play odds or payoffs and defensive play odds or payoffs respectively.

The plurality of play selection sets comprises a pass set including subsets short, medium, long, and goal line pass plays; run set including subsets right, left, medium and goal line running plays; kickoff set including subsets kickoff return, onside return and squib return; and field goal. TABLE 5 Offense Play Defense Play Set and Subsets Set and Subsets Kick Set Kickoff Return Kickoff Return Onside Return Onside Return Squib Return Squib Return Pass Play Set Short Pass Short Pass Short Pass Right Short Pass Right Short Pass Left Short Pass Left Short Pass Middle Short Pass Middle Medium Pass Medium Pass Medium Pass Right Medium Pass Right Medium Pass Left Medium Pass Left Medium Pass Middle Medium Pass Middle Long Pass Long Pass Long Pass Right Long Pass Right Long Pass Left Long Pass Left Long Pass Middle Long Pass Middle Goal Line Pass Goal Line Pass Run Play Set Run Right Run Right Run Left Run Left Run Middle Run Middle Goal Line Run Goal Line Run Field Goal Field Goal

TABLE 6 Offense Odds Kick Return: Return Kick between own: 30-39 Yard Line 1-1 Odds 40-49 Yard Line 2-1 Odds 50-41 Yard Line 5-1 Odds 40-31 Yard Line 10-1 Odds 30-21 Yard Line 25-1 Odds 20-11 Yard Line 50-1 Odds 10-TD 100-1 Odds Any Return Not Returned To The 30 Yard Line Is A Loss Onside Kick Return 2-1 Odds Run From Scrimmage  4-14 Yards 1-1 Odds 15-29 Yards 2-1 Odds 30-44 Yards 5-1 Odds 45-59 Yards 10-1 Odds 60-74 Yards 25-1 Odds 75-89 Yards 50-1 Odds 90-99 Yards 100-1 Odds *3 Yards or Less Loss Pass From Scrimmage  4-14 Yards 1-1 Odds 15-29 Yards 2-1 Odds 30-44 Yards 5-1 Odds 45-59 Yards 10-1 Odds 60-74 Yards 20-1 Odds 75-89 Yards 40-1 Odds 90-99 Yards 75-1 Odds *3 Yards or Less Loss Field Goal 17-29 Yards 1-1 Odds 30-39 Yards 2-1 Odds 40-44 Yards 3-1 Odds 45-49 Yards 4-1 Odds 50-54 Yards 10-1 Odds 55-59 Yards 25-1 Odds 60+   Yards 50-1 Odds Point After TD 1-1 Odds Punt Return  6-19 Yard 1-1 Odds 20-29 Yards 2-1 Odds 30-39 Yards 5-1 Odds 40-49 Yards 10-1 Odds 50-59 Yards 25-1 Odds 60-69 Yards 50-1 Odds 70-79 Yards 100-1 Odds 80-89 Yards 200-1 Odds 90-99 Yards 300-1 Odds 100+  Yards 500-1 Odds

TABLE 7 Defense Odds Recover Onside Kick 1-1 Odds Kick Returns - Hold Kick Return To 3 Yards Or Less Hold Ball Carrier To −2 Yards 1-1 Odds Throw Ball Carrier For Loss 2-1 Odds Sack Quarterback 3-1 Odds Interception 10-1 Odds Fumble Recovery 10-1 Odds Interception For TD 50-1 Odds Safety 50-1 Odds Blocked Punt 25-1 Odds Blocked Punt For TD 50-1 Odds Punt Ball Inside 20-11 Yard Line 1-1 Odds Punt Ball Inside 1-5 Yard Line 5-1 Odds Opponent Missed Field Goal 1-1 Odds Block Opponent Field Goal 10-1 Odds Block Field Goal For TD 250-1 Odds Hold Opposition On Point After TD 1-1 Odds Score On Opposition Point After TD 500-1 Odds Make Opposition Turn Over On Downs 3-1 Odds

To begin play, the player inserts money, club or credit card into the payment/payout seen in FIG. 4.

Once the ‘bank’ is established, the player presses one of the bet keys to wager on the coin toss. As previously described, the video gaming device 110 is preset to a specific denomination such as a quarter or dollar. Thus, touching the BET 1× key 130 would result in a $0.25 or $1.00 depending upon the preset or predetermined denomination.

The player next chooses either heads or tails by touching the video touch screen or display 114 as shown in FIG. 5. Having selected the BET 1× key 130, if the player wins the toss, the video touch screen or display 114 will display “HEADS! You win $0.25” as depicted in FIG. 6. Correspondingly, if the player looses the toss, the video touch screen or display 114 will display “TAILS! YOU LOOSE $0.25!”.

The player then chooses either to kick or receive by touching the video touch screen or display 114 as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 shows the kickoff return set and kickoff return, onside return and squib return subsets include the kickoff play selections on the video touch screen or display 114. Having selected a bet by touching one of the bet keys 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 or 156 to wager on the kickoff, the player selects the kickoff play and executes by touching the start/enter key 124. A player can clear a play or bet before executing by depressing a clear key 126.

Once the play is selected, the video gaming device 110 will execute the selected offensive or defensive play and game profile generated counter-play. The play is visually and audibly played out on the video touch screen or display 114. In the example depicted in FIG. 9 the player or offensive returns the ball to the 27 yard line.

Reference to Table 6 shows that the player looses bet. The result is depicted in FIG. 10 as “YOU LOOSE $2.50!”.

FIG. 11 indicates a caustic or sarcastic comment from the Mail Call Guy following a losing play. The Coach can scold the player, for example, “You can do better than that maggot!” or “Is that all you got Missy!” or “My Grandmother hits harder than that!”

FIG. 12 displays the passing sets and subsets from which the player selects an individual key whether on offense or defense to be executed or played out against the game profile. Also displayed on the video touch screen or display 114 are a VIEW MORE PLAYS window 210 and a REVIEW PREVIOUS PLAYS window 212 that allow a player to view additional pass and run plays that can similarly be selected for execution.

The player again selects one of the bet keys to wager on the play and selects the play on the visual touch screen or display 114.

FIG. 13 visually displays the play accompanied by a sound byte from the sports announcer voice describing the play which lasts approximately 6 seconds. For example: “Quarterback hikes it! He's looking! Here they come! He throws . . . ! Oh . . . #85 catches it! He's down on the 44”. Based upon the predetermined odds as seen in Table 6, the player wins the bet.

The video touch screen and display 114 as shown on FIG. 14 can display “YOU WIN $1.00!!”.

FIG. 15 illustrates the offensive odds choices or categories by play sets; while, FIG. 16 shows the specific offense odds for field goals. Display screens for the offensive and defensive situations are pulled-up or selected by depressing or engaging view offensive odds key 158 or view defensive odds key 160 and desired play set by touching the corresponding indicator on the video touch screen or display 114 as shown in FIG. 15. In addition, game odds and point odds may be viewed on the video touch screen or display 114 by touching view game odds key 162 or view point odds 164 respectively.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described, 

1. A video gaming device for wagering on a virtual football game comprising a video screen and a selector control panel including a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality of game selection and control signals including play selection and wagering selections, and a microprocessor including game data comprising a plurality of wager selections including a plurality of play wager selections, a plurality of play selections, and a game plan and game situation profile and a data processing section including logic to receive the game selection signals from the selector control keys to generate display signals in response to the game selection signals to be displayed on the video screen in response to operator input from the selector control keys and to generate a game play image on the video screen of the selected play executed against the game plan and the game situation profile and display the wagering results.
 2. The video gaming device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of wager selections further includes a plurality of period wager selections.
 3. The video gaming device of claim 2 wherein said plurality of play selections includes a plurality of sets of said play selections.
 4. The video gaming devide of claim 1 wherein said plurality of play selections includes a plurality of sets of said play selections.
 5. A video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game comprising a game cabinet to support a video screen, a selector control panel and a wager/payment mechanism and to house a microprocessor.
 6. The video gaming device and method of claim 5 wherein said selector control panel comprises a plurality of selector control keys to generate game selections signals including play selections and wagering selections and wager/payment mechanism comprises a plurality of apertures to receive payment by the game player and means to generate a payment signal.
 7. The video gaming device and method of claim 6 wherein said microprocessor includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of play selections and a data processing section including logic receives the game selection signals from said selector control keys and payment signals from said wage/payment mechanism and to generate display signals in response to said game selection signals and payment signals to be displayed on said video screen in response to operator input from said selector control keys and wage information in response to input from said wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen of individual selected play executed against the game plan of offensive or defensive plays and a game situation profile and display the wagering results.
 8. The video gaming device and method of claim 7 wherein said plurality of wager selections comprises a first and second set of wagers wherein said first set of wagers is a plurality of game period wager selections and said second set of wagers is a plurality of play wagers selections.
 9. The video gaming device and method of claim 7 wherein said plurality of play selections comprises a plurality of selectable plays.
 10. The video gaming device and method of claim 9 wherein said plurality of play selections further includes a plurality of sets of said plurality of selectable plays.
 11. A video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game comprising a game cabinet and base to operatively support a video screen and a selector control panel and a wager/payout mechanism and to house a microprocessor said selector control panel includes a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality of game selections including play selection and wagering selection, wagering and display or viewing control signals fed to the microprocessor, said plurality of selector control keys comprises a plurality of game control keys to control the game including said play selection and plurality of wagering keys to select the amount of wagers including said wagering selection and a plurality of display keys to selectively display a corresponding plurality of menus or game information/data and a game pointer control key.
 12. The video gaming device and method of claim 11 wherein said plurality of game control keys comprises a start/enter key and a cash out key and said plurality of wagering keys comprises keys of different monetary denominations.
 13. The video gaming device and method of claim 12 wherein said plurality of display keys comprises a payoff or odds menu key, a money available/pending wager status key, a proposition wager menu key and a money wagered key.
 14. The video gaming device and method of claim 11 wherein said game pointer key comprises a cursor control.
 15. The video gaming device and method of claim 11 wherein said wager/payment mechanism comprises a currency receptacle, a coin receptable, a credit card slot and a credit card key pad and a cash return payout.
 16. The video gaming device and method of claim 11 wherein the microprocessor includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of play selections.
 17. The video gaming device and method of claim 16 wherein a data processing section includes logic to receive said game selection signals from said selector control keys and said payment signals from said wage/payment mechanism and to generate display signals in response to said game selection signals and said payment signals to be displayed on said video screen in response to operator input from said selector control keys and wage information in response to input from said wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on said video screen of individual selected play executed against the game plan and game situation profile.
 18. The video gaming device and method of claim 17 wherein said data processing section to receive, record, calculate, account and payout for the game transactions and plays.
 19. The video gaming device and method of claim 17 wherein said game situation profile comprises a plurality of sets of offensive and defensive plays wherein plays within each said set is programmed game situation profile selects an offensive or defensive play from the plurality of preselected offensive or defensive plays to play against the play selected by the player.
 20. The video gaming device and method of claim 19 wherein said data processing section records the player's bank or balance, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against the predetermined odds, displays amounts on said video screen along with the available play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected proposition play against the game plan and the game situation profile.
 21. The video gaming device and method of claim 16 wherein said plurality of wager selections comprises a first and second set of wagers wherein said first set of waters is a plurality of game period wagers selections and said second set of wagers is a plurality of play wagers selections.
 22. The video gaming device and method of claim 16 wherein said plurality of wager selections comprises a plurality of game period wager selections.
 23. The video gaming device and method of claim 22 wherein said plurality of wager selections further comprises a plurality of game period wager selections.
 24. The video gaming device and method of claim 16 wherein said plurality of play selections comprises a plurality of selectable plays.
 25. The video gaming device and method of claim 24 wherein said plurality of play selections further includes a plurality of sets of said selectable plays.
 26. The video gaming device and method of claim 25 wherein said plurality of wager selections comprises a plurality of play wagers selections.
 27. The video gaming device and method of claim 26 wherein said plurality of wager selections further comprises a plurality of game period wager selections.
 28. The video gaming device and method of claim 24 wherein said plurality of wager selections comprises a plurality of game period wager selections.
 29. The video gaming device of claim 1 further includes a view more plays window and a review previous plays window on said video touch screen to allow a player to view additional pass and run plays that can be selected for execution.
 30. The video gaming device and method of claim 6 including a view more plays window and a review previous plays window on said video touch screen to allow a player to view additional pass and run plays that can be selected for execution.
 31. The video gaming device and method of claim 9 including a view more plays window and a review previous plays window on said video touch screen to allow a player to view additional pass and run plays that can be selected for execution. 